TIRANA, April 20 /ATA/ Christian believers across the country celebrated Easter, the resurrection of Christ and the triumph of life over death.
In Tirana, Catholic and Orthodox believers gathered in their respective cathedrals to receive the light of resurrection.
At the Orthodox Cathedral of the “Resurrection of Christ” in Tirana, the Easter Mass was led by the new Archbishop of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, His Beatitude Joan. In his address to believers, Archbishop Joan conveyed powerful spiritual messages and commemorated his predecessor, Archbishop Anastasios.
Referring to the challenges of the time, the Archbishop emphasized that only through faith in the Resurrection can people live in peace and solidarity with each other: “We are aware of the difficulties of life: injustices, wars, poverty, diseases and death that often lead man to despair. But, Christ is and remains our hope.”
After the mass, Orthodox believers took the light of resurrection in candles to take it to their homes, a tradition that symbolizes spiritual enlightenment and the resumption of life with faith.
Festive ceremonies were also held at the “St. Paul” Catholic Cathedral in Tirana, where the Easter mass was led by the Archbishop of Tirana-Durrës Arjan Dodaj. In his message, he emphasized the significance of peace and prayer for protection in a time of uncertainty and conflict.
“Christ brings up those who have fallen and protects those who are at war. He is our protection and hope,” Archbishop Dodaj said, among other things.
Religious ceremonies began on Saturday evening with the mass, and will continue throughout Sunday with family lunches and festive greetings across the country. /p.s./
